From Ars Technica · · 2m
Democrats oppose FCC nominee plan
Senate Democrats reject Trump’s FCC nominee as partisan move.
In brief
Senate Democrats reject Trump’s FCC nominee as partisan move. Senate Democrats oppose confirming Republican FCC nominee without paired Democratic candidate, warning of a 3-0 Republican majority on the commission. Originally reported by Ars Technica.
Senate Democrats oppose nominee
Senate Democrats today opposed President Trump’s nominee for an open Federal Communications Commission seat.
Criticism of partisan timing
Democrats criticized Republicans for moving to confirm a new commissioner during the period before Democrats take control of Congress in January 2.
Chairman Carr’s threats
Sen. Ed Markey accused Thumann Severs of evading questions about Carr’s threats to remove Jimmy Kimmel from airwaves.
Thumann Severs’ response
Thumann Severs declined to identify policy disagreements with Carr and said she has not advised Carr on media-related topics.
Luján’s timeline prediction
Sen. Ben Ray Luján predicted Chairman Carr will not be around more than three or four months after Democrats take control.
E-Rate program concerns
Democrats criticized Thumann Severs for not clarifying whether FCC has authority to eliminate E-Rate, a $2 billion-a-year program.
Duckworth’s independence warning
Sen. Tammy Duckworth warned Thumann Severs would be one of the votes deciding if FCC remains independent or becomes White House arm.
E-Rate authority debate
Duckworth stated FCC cannot eliminate E-Rate without Congressional approval and criticized the timing.
FCC majority threat
Sen. John Hickenlooper warned Trump could fire Democrat Commissioner Anna Gomez to give Republicans 3-0 majority.
Thumann Severs’ independence
Hickenlooper questioned Thumann Severs’ independence, noting her role as Carr’s senior counsel and legal advisor.
ABC license review
Senate Democrats questioned Thumann Severs about FCC’s early review of ABC station licenses.
Thumann Severs’ response
Thumann Severs stated FCC must investigate complaints on merits, not based on someone’s discontent with content.
Jawbone Act support
Thumann Severs supported the JAWBONE Act to enable lawsuits against officials coercing broadcasters into restricting speech.
Democrats’ next steps
Democrats plan to use their majority next year to launch probes of FCC Chairman Carr.
At a glance
Senate Democrats oppose confirming Republican FCC nominee without paired Democratic candidate, warning of a 3-0 Republican majority on the commission.
